Thinking about ‘organizing for life’ sometimes brings me to the issue of planning for death. Morbid? Not necessarily. If I don’t make these decisions and plans it leaves them for the people I love the most at a time when they have to cope with loss. It’s kinder and more practical that I make my own decisions – that way my friends and family can spend time laughing about my life’s escapades instead of worrying if they were able to guess what my last wishes were.
Last week I attended a local funeral/cremation services company for a little seminar about pre-planning. I wanted to know what to expect myself and I wanted to be able to inform my clients of the process should they want to ‘get their ducks in a row’ in all areas of their lives.
The brief presentation provided simple, straightforward information in a very pleasant and relaxed tone, and there was not even a hint of sales posturing. I came away rather surprised and well informed. These free one hour evenings of information are offered periodically (pizza, beverages and dessert were included).
What did I learn? There are a lot of decisions to make!
Burial vs cremation? Below ground or mausoleum? Visitation, viewing, funeral service, memorial service, and/or graveside service? Grave space, marker, casket, casket lining, vault, decorations, urn or box for ashes? (Did you know that you could have the deceased’s ashes made into a diamond? Who knew?) Speakers, music, pallbearers, refreshments, childcare, transportation, guest accommodations and more…
Wow, that’s a big set of tasks for the widow, widower or other family members to attend to.
So I’ll leave all that for the individual planning appointment I make with the funeral/cremation service. But in the meantime I can encourage myself and my clients to get the paper trail in order ahead of time. I suggest that at least some of the following information be accessible to the key person(s) who’ll be attending to your affairs. Keep it in a fire safe at your home or office or in a safety deposit box at your bank. Consider giving the important people in your life copies, summaries or at least instructions regarding this information. Oh, and tell them how much and why you love them…
Essential Documents:
Advance medical directive and living will
Health care proxy or medical power of attorney
Health insurance policies, statements of benefits, proof-of-premium payments
Life insurance policies, proof-of-premium payments, viatical settlements or buy-out agreements
Retirement planning, investments, beneficiary designations
Disability policies, proof-of-premium payments, official determinations of disability
Social Security identification and information
Pension and retirement plan contracts, statements of benefits, eligibility certification
Birth, marriage and death certificates
Proof of citizenship: passport, voter registration card
Proof of current residence (phone, electric bills, rent receipts, etc.)
Veteran status and benefit information
Mortgage and proof-of-note payments
Deeds to real estate
Property tax assessments and payment records
Leases and rental agreements
Title and registration for autos, recreation vehicles or other expensive property
Loan or finance agreements, credit card accounts statements, other creditors, proof-of-payment
Financial power of attorney or springing power of attorney
Financial records: banks, savings, money market, CD/IRA accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, income: royalties, annuities, dividends, trusts or bequests
Last 6 years’ income tax returns & supporting documentation
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